DeAndrea’s Kinship Journey: A Commitment to Family Connection

DeAndrea exemplifies the power of kinship care, having taken in her relative Jason as an infant after his siblings were adopted by her sister and sister-in-law, ensuring he remained connected to his family. Jason, now three years old, maintains a close relationship with his older siblings, a seven-year-old sister and five-year-old brother, speaking to them nightly and seeing them multiple times a week.

«I couldn’t imagine him not knowing his family and his siblings. It just seemed like the right thing to do,» DeAndrea shared, highlighting the driving force behind her decision to take on an infant as a single parent.

Jason’s early life presented challenges, as he was born prematurely and substance-exposed. Seeing him grow from a two-pound preemie on oxygen to a smart, vocal three-year-old has been the most rewarding aspect of DeAndrea’s parenting journey. From paddleboarding on the lake in the summer to snowshoeing in the winter, Jason leads an active life, full of joy and curiosity. He’s a social butterfly at daycare, loves saying hello to people, and is currently obsessed with Mickey Mouse and Spider-Man. This Halloween, he’s excited to be Chase from Paw Patrol.

«Jason is, oh my gosh, he is the cutest thing. I know I’m biased, but he is very cute. He is very independent, and he likes going on adventures,» DeAndrea recounts of Jason.      

DeAndrea, being a caseworker herself, understands how the system is supposed to function, which provides her with a unique perspective. The journey of getting certified as a kinship caregiver for Jason and then adopting him, though filled with moments of relief and overwhelming emotion, was ultimately a special one for DeAndrea. She credits her agency, Kin Connect, for their support throughout the process.

«My entire world revolves around him instead of me. So, that’s a big change, but I’ve learned a lot about my capacity to care and just how hard it is to be a mom, that’s for sure. Everything has changed for the better, though,» DeAndrea remarked of how her life has changed since welcoming Jason into her life.

DeAndrea’s parenting style leans towards gentle parenting, focusing on emotional understanding and open communication. When asked for advice for other single individuals considering kinship care or foster care she emphasized the crucial role of a strong support system. For DeAndrea, this village includes her sisters, two close friends, and supportive co-workers and a boss who offer flexibility for appointments and understanding.

«Make sure you do have a village that can support you. That is really important because some days are overwhelming and sometimes you don’t know what you’re doing.»

DeAndrea’s story is a powerful reminder of the love, dedication, and resilience found in kinship care, demonstrating how family and community can provide a loving and stable home for children in need.